Non-native Beetle (Anomala)

Observation: I have never seen a beetle like this in St. Mary's before. This was found inside a new couch shipping box that was picked up at the Alaska Commercial Company, the local grocery store.

LEO Says: Hitch hiking inspects can be a problem and some have become established in Alaska. This hitch hiking is especially prevalent with shipping of goods and materials or equipment into rural Alaska. Ships and their ballast water pose a similar problem in marine environments, and float planes for invasive aquatic weeks. Transport in shipping containers has likely accounted for LEO observations about exotic invertebrates including slugs in Sand Point and Goodnews Bay (see related posts), as well as other insects, such as the marmorated stink bugs in King Cove. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has an invasive species priority list which includes the gypsy moth. This is the first observation LEO has received about beetles in the genus Anomala. M. Brubaker

Cooperative Extension Service Consult: Jessie Moan, Statewide IPM Coordinator writes, "Derek Sikes with the Museum of the North and Andrew Smith with the Canadian Museum of Nature made the identification and supplied the following information." D. Sikes & A. Smith, state, "This beetle is likely in the genus Anomala, though a species-level identification was not given. This genus is not native to Alaska and it is thought that this stow away would not be able to survive here." --Jessie

Links:

Wikipedia: "The genus Anomala consists of many species of similar beetles. A common characteristic behavior is that most grubs of these species feed on the roots of grasses, becoming a pest in many areas where they invade." Source: Anomala